Pages

Friday, July 25, 2014

Kitchen table: to move or not to?

Hello and happy Friday to you! Ya-yah.

I need your help today! I mentioned earlier this week that I was able to start rearranging the furniture since the TV was moved. We are now using our family room space how I’ve been hoping to use it for weeks! SO awesome.

Now that the wall is down we’ve moved the furniture down into the old office quite a bit – so much so that we have a bunch of space in the kitchen. Like, a ton. WHOOT!

One of the main reasons we considered adding on to the house was to give us some more space in the kitchen. Ours is tight and it’s bothered me for years. The rectangle table has helped a bit, but this shot shows you how much space we were working with:

We had about three feet between the table and the sofa table – maybe four? And no matter what table we’ve had in here the pantry area felt tight.

Here’s another shot:

Our original plan was to bump out that bay window a bit to give us a little more room. Now…I don’t think we’ll do it. There’s just no need, which is great!

My plan is to add french doors in the family room so we won’t need the door in the bay window. If we keep the table there we can push it back into the bay area and put a window where the door is. I would love to build some kind of banquet but to do that would mean replacing the side windows.

Here’s that area as it looks today:

Just imagine it pushed into the bay window area some more (and the door gone/light moved).

That black dresser is way too deep and won’t stay on that wall to the left, but I will have something there. The patched floor to the right is where the island will be.

But here’s the thing – look at all this space!!:

Wow! What do I with all of that? It’s feels like too much to just leave as is. The sectional is staying where it is – it moved down into the old office quite a bit.

If you remember – the sofa and table used to sit back to the middle of the wall where that black dresser is now:

People. SPACE!!!! So much space I’m not sure what to do with it. Am I dreaming?

So. I moved the table over to see how it would work:

I think one or two of you actually suggested this – I always wondered but didn’t think we’d have enough space. We have plenty. :)

Sorry for the blurry pic – here’s a better shot:

The island will be put back but it will be so far off to the right – there will still be a ton of space. Of course I’d have the light fixture moved over the table. I think it could work really well, it’s just such a big change! I’m not used to having it there.

We have so much space I’d probably get or build a bigger table eventually – you can’t even imagine how exciting that would be for this girl who has struggled to find small tables for our kitchen over ten years! (It’s why I DIY’d that farmhouse table.)

I love that table though and would keep it -- there’s a spot in the basement where I’ve been wanting to put a table and this one would be perfect.

The question is, if I move it, what to do with the space where the table was?:

That left end of the patched wood is where the island ended – it will be placed about six inches closer to the door when we reinstall it. My dream for years has been to extend our island for more storage (a whole other post) so if the table is moved then there will be plenty of room for that to happen. But then we’ll still have quite a bit of open space. I feel like it would look odd to just leave it empty. Maybe not with a bigger island?

There are pros and cons to both options. If we leave the table in the area where it's been all along then we’ll be able to keep all that open space between the kitchen and the family room, but it feels a little too open. Not sure what I would do with it. The con is that we’d have that door taken out and replaced with a window and that’s an added cost for sure.

Moving the table to between the family room and kitchen feels like the right move, really. It will just take time to get used to it. And the thought of a bigger table someday makes me all kinds of giddy. I can’t think of any cons – other than the open space in the bay window that I’m not sure what to do with. This option would be lower cost – we actually would probably not even do the french doors if we keep the back door and that would save us money. It would be silly to have the two doors so close to each other.

Any thoughts or suggestions? I’m leaning toward moving the table – I’m plan to live with it there for a week or so to help me decide. :) Thanks in advance for your thoughts and have a great weekend!

138 comments:

Love the new placement of the kitchen table! Your bay window area could then become a small "keeping room" of sorts, by adding one or two smaller scaled chairs & a table/ottoman. That would be lovely! Julie A.

I do like the kitchen in the new area. If you had done a bay window with a window seat and put the table back that way, then the door to the pantry would have been really cramped. I am assuming since you are doing an island, it will have an overhang and you will put chairs there. They will take up some space when people are sitting in it. True, you will still have some open space, but that's a good thing. There doesn't have to be something in every little space. If you leave the door there, then get a nice round rug for that area and call it a day. If you opt to put in french doors and do make the current back door into a bay window, do go ahead with a window seat and add even more storage. You could put just a rug and small occasional table off to the left side near it to rest one's coffee or book, etc but again, it's okay to have space. Can't wait to see what you come up with. It's looking fabulous thus far!

I like the table in its new spot! Just make sure there's enough room for bar stools and chairs to be pulled out for sitting at the same time. Another option for the new open spot by the door - change the door to a window like originally planned and build in a window seat in the area and add some sort of table/pouf for feet.

Hmmm. Just looks a little off to me. But maybe that's why you are the pro blogger and I am not. Haha. It is a small table, is there really room for a large one? I feel like I need an ariel view or something. Tofilla bit of the bay window space you can definitely extend the island. to keep it from feeling crowded you could do no chairs on the prep part and then do an open end to the island where four barstools are storedunder from all sides. This would feel open and then you have lots of seating for parties ( and you can do main food at the part of the island with no seats so nobody feels like if they sit they would block the food. I love to rearrange. Enjoy!

I LOVE the idea of moving the table - especially knowing you always wanted a larger one - and without considering the $$ I love the idea of French doors (but I would shove them to the right so they are centered on the table) and I would grow the island closer to the bay more than just 6 inches. If you do do the French doors, just thinking: is it possible that the old windows are the same height as the ones in the bay (maybe the ones in the bay are lower/appear shorter due to the soffit)? If so use one to replace the door (even if its wider, that wouldn't bother me, there's still symmetry - but if it bothers you use it as a place holder). A window seat would be such eye candy in that bay so then throw a chair/ottoman into the bay and live with it for a while. If you love it change out the windows/build the window seat when you comfortably have the $$.

On the other hand, if you really don't want to spend the $$ for French doors right now, that current door is in a very convenient spot. Make the island more substantial to fill the space and add decorative elements (brackets under soffit, more plants or see-thru glass shelving, etc). It will be very pretty!

I love the changes! I can really see two smaller upholstered chairs flanking the door with a small side table or a pouf/ottoman to the left side (opposite the pantry). It would be so comfy to sit there in the morning with coffee. Plus, the fabric would balance the hard surfaces of the kitchen.

I like the table in the new location and vote to make the island as large as possible. I love this idea. It could have a wrap around overhang so stools could be in the end by the french door too. I had a massive island in my last house and loved every minute I had it. Give it some thought.

I would not make a final decision until the island is in, but you could consider making the islandlonger with seating around it to the side where the table was. I always lay done a bunch of yard sticks or painters tape to imagine where the new pieces (island will go) It looks great though, I know you are loving the added space. Have fun!

I agree Kelle. I would go ahead with replacing the door with a matching window and add two upholstered chairs and a small, round dining table. Maybe an ottoman as well (the kids sit on ours). We did this in our too small dining nook at the end of the island and it gets more use than ever before!

This! Extend the island with seating along two sides (including the side where the table used to be). Then add a little seating area in the little nook where the door is - switching the door for a window. Add French doors where the windows are.

I think the new placement of the table could work. Can we see a pic of the area from the foyer ? Just curious how open it all is now ;) I would extend the island down past the pantry and maybe even make it an L shape towards the dining area and add stools for additional seating?

Move the table and put 2 comfy chairs flanking the door. A friend of mind had a similar layout and those 2 chairs was where everyone sat when the girls got together. They were literally the "hot spot" to sit. Comfy chairs you can sit with your leg up, a cup of coffee/glass of wine, some music and a great view of the back deck/yard. Perfection! She said her kids each sat there and had come great convos while she made breakfast, dinner etc. Either way, it will look great but I do agree that it needs...something...it's very open but the options and potential is endless! Either way, I'm sure I will love it...Can't wait to see what you do! -Sarah

I vote to move the table, as well! With the larger island, no need for anything in the doorway! Just more space to get in and out of the door, and the pantry! It's been sooo fun watching the changes you are making to the family room/kitchen! Can't wait to see it all finished!

I have a medium-sized island and with four kids have always been envious of the oversized islands I see everywhere ... so that would be my personal preference -- and to trim it out like a piece of furniture with feet and turned posts for faux support, which I think would be beautiful. But if that's not what you want to do, which I totally understand, have you considered two separate islands? I've seen that in some kitchens lately. They'd be separated by a few feet so you don't have to go "the long way around" to get to your new kitchen table spot or your den, and one could be more of a prep area with a built-in cutting board, sink, beverage fridge, etc., and one could be more of a standard island with a solid surface and bar chairs around it. One could have open shelving for pretty things like cookbooks and pottery, and the other could have cabinets for pots, pans, etc. Just trying to add an idea I didn't already see mentioned. :-) I am LOVING following your story! This is so much fun for a long-time reader.

I vote for a nice long island, with a small overhang (or even a large section of island) at the end (by the black door) for two stools. It would be a nice place to sip coffee, and if the stools swivel you could look out your door/windows and enjoy all that light. Also, a longer island makes for a great landing place for taking out/putting away panty islands.

Unless you typically have more than two people sitting at the counter, I'd consider only having the two stools at the end (backs to windows) and no overhang on the side of the island toward the family room.

With no overhang on the family room side, you could put a long banquette up against the island -or- you could push a long farmhouse table up against is, perpendicular.

Love where you have now placed the table! I would definitely go for adding on to your existing island. More cabinets, maybe a longer bar area. My brother and several friends have done this and they use it all the time. If you are replacing the door with a window, then I agree with the first comment. Would make a nice keeping room, as long as it is not to close to the pantry. To be honest, I think once you beef up the island you might want to keep that space open and keep the door. Just put something to the left hand side. Can't wait to see what you decide. I would love to open the wall between our kitchen and dining room and make it would large kitchen...but moving a load bearing wall with all our appliances for the most part on it isn't quite in the budget these days.

A friend of mine had a spot like that in her kitchen and put two comfy upholstered chairs with a small table between them, she sat there with her morning coffee most days. Don't know if that would work for you or not, but it's a nice idea!

The table looks good in the new place. Add to the island to increase its size, take out the door, and then add comfy chairs with ottoman to have an area where company can sit to visit while you are in the kitchen. I have this in my kitchen and it is just about my favorite place in my house. Everyone gathers in the kitchen when you have company!

I vote for keeping the door, moving the table and making a longer island. We built an island in our kitchen (with beadboard on it!) a couple years ago and I wish I had gone bigger! So go for it! And saving money by keeping the door and windows as is - is a GOOD THING!

My thought is that if that door gives you access to nothing, then close it off and put in a window. People who buy homes are looking for great interior space so if you were ever to sell the house it would be a win win to have that door gone.

I would build as big an island as possible! Line it up with where that back counter ends - I'm guessing you have 3-4 feet on the other side of the island over by the fridge, so extending the line that far out should leave you pretty balanced with the space that is left in the nook. Just look at Dana's island over at House Tweaking - that sucker is 9' long and it's AMAZING!!

build a big island that runs all the way to almost the panty. by the window you could just make a bay window sitting, or what about a build in desk area with cabinets on the side and chair. I just feel like you need a bigger Island over all. I love how the table looks in the middle it defines a whole new space.

Leave the table in the new placement, extent the island length-wise toward the door and add a rounded area on the end for two bar stools. No need to go the expense of converting doors and windows. And, I do agree with others that you'd be cramping the pantry door trying to add seating in that bay.

I was so excited to comment (for the first time) because I knew exactly what I would do, but I was WAAY too late. I would extend the island, just think of the buffet options for dinners, and then I would add a cushy comfy chair opposite the pantry door to sip a beverage of your choice and revel in all the space. As an added bonus, You might think about adding couple of bird feeders outside the bay window to enjoy some bird watching.

I really think a chair in front of one or both, depending on their size w/a small table & lamp, if room w/books on table would be PERFECT!!! Leave the table & make it bigger like your dream!!! OR....if your like our family, a very small round game table in that space could be fun....but you have a basement so probably not!

I like the table in the new position. Once you get used to it there, plan for the larger one. Is it going to be longer and wider? If so, that might impact the size of the island.

For the island, lay out some paper on the floor to plan the size. Could you put the seating area facing the bay window area and at the other end put in storage for what you use outside? The end could also have a small fridge for soda, beer and wine. Or a coffee bar?

Now that the bay area is more open, will you be using the door more often to get out to the patio - think of traffic flow of taking food and drinks outside. If you remove the door, you'll be walking a few more steps to get stuff in and out.

Once you get the larger table, will you have some chairs for the ends? If so, you could have them in the bay area and only move them to the table when needed. If not,, I would go with some comfy chairs there. I downsized my kitchen table and put a comfy chair in the kitchen and it's the perfect spot for reading the morning paper with the cup of coffee. And I am more likely to sit there for a few minutes while cooking. There have a few times that I've gone to the office to read and then something burned!Liz

First off, I have read your blog every day for the last 4 years. You have made me take risks in my home that I never thought I would: painting walls, adding light fixtures, changing the landscaping, mixing and matching furniture. I love your work and can't thank you enough for helping me step outside my comfort zone. Your home should be functional and pretty and the space that YOU want. Just the boldness that you have to tear down a wall--I admire it so much! Now, to your setup. I love having the table between the sectional and island - leave it there and consider getting a longer table maybe with more chairs. I would definitely put some lovely tufted chairs at both ends of the table to better fill up that space. Secondly, please don't get rid of the door you have now. That area is so pretty and if you replace it with the banquette, it will be removing a really nice part of your kitchen. Have you ever considered getting 2 settees and using them for your kitchen table instead of the chairs? You can then put the chairs at both ends of the table and use the extra 2 to flank on either side of the dresser you had below the tv. I think extending your island out is a fabulous idea (in fact, I'm surprised you haven't enlarged your counter space yet). You are on the right track sisterfriend and I cannot wait to see what the living room looks like. Thank you for the years of inspiration!!

Love the way the space is opening up! The new table placement looks like it was always supposed to be there (the sign of a great renovation). I also love the convenient and logical placement of your current door. My vote is to save the money you would spend on new french doors/removing your current door, and put that money towards an extended island with additional seating and some great pendant lights above. Removing the table and adding a bigger island is going to make your kitchen feel twice as big!

I would move the table away from the windows and keep it between the kitchen and the living room, and I would ENJOY THE EMPTY SPACE. I feel like people feel the need to make every square inch of their homes usable. A nice big, empty space, to me, is like a breath of fresh air. Make a bigger island (I would recommend a four-seater island, for your little guy and future grandchildren to sit at), and just enjoy the empty space around it until your next "Big Idea" comes to you!

I would move the table for sure! I love casual seating in the kitchen area for when I have company over. I would put 2 smaller arm chairs in that bay window for comfy seating while I'm working in the kitchen.

Just live for a while with the space that you were wanting without feeling like you have to instantly fill it. I've been following you for quite a while and sometimes it seems like you are never happy with your home enough to just let it quietly rest for a while.

I love it moved over...and I love the idea of a small "off grid" area where the bay window is. A cozy chair, fun pouf, and a cool floor lamp = space for mom to decompress, but still be with the family. Think of it as a mini Mom-Cave. A totally impractical but pretty side table would finish it off - perfect for resting your drink of choice!

I vote for moving the table and building a bigger island. I think if you do a window seat and keep the table in the bump out that the table will crowd the pantry. I think a round rug and a couple plants in the window will help it not feel so empty without the table. I think it just looks/feels more empty then it really is because you are so used to having the table there. The biggest benefit will be the savings of not having to remove the door .

Looking good! I would keep the table in its new spot and remove the door in the bay and put two comfy club chairs there. You can find plenty of pics on Pinterest, it looks great! Your son could sit there and read while you are cooking, you could sit there with a glass of wine while your husband cooks, friends that are over will use them, etc etc...my conversation area in the kitchen is the most used "let's sit down and have a talk" place in our house! Good luck!

I would keep the table where it was and enjoy the space. Try to live with it for a week or two before any changes are made. If you start filling up with things, it's going to feel crowded very quickly (which seems was the problem in the first place!)

I love the new table placement! Once you have your chandelier above the table, it will feel perfect.

Could you now fit an even longer island? Maybe with more barstools that could wrap around in an L shape?

You could keep the door in the bay window and just put two comfy lounge chairs or close up the door and put a fun built in window bench. Either option would work, both would be the best seats in the kitchen for hanging out with the cook. My vote would be for the window bench, because I love the idea of French doors in the family room. But I understand that keeping the door where it is would save moolah:)

I read most of the comments but not all of them so sorry if someone else suggested this :)

Keep the table in the open space you have it now. Put to comfy reading chairs in the bay with a table in between...but I would not get rid of the door! I would put the table in front of the door and using it as a lovely place to have coffee and read the paper (do people read the paper anymore...or just flip through all their apps on their phone...still a comfy place to do that!) THEN if you were having a gathering at you home I would move the comfy chairs to each end of the dining table and find a temporary home for the small table in front of the door and now you have two ways to get outside! The kitchen door will be useful for the cooking team, while the new french doors in the "living space" for all the other guests!

I like the placement of the table. It seems like getting to the pantry would be difficult if the table was closer to the bay window. What if the big island was big enough to have seating on the end. I think that could fill up the space nicely.

I have a similar set up in my house to what you are trying out now and love it! Try taping out a large table and island shape on the floor to see how much room they actually take up. Don't forget to add in a place for stool at the island! I think once you do this you'll see you can get a really large island in that space with lots of storage plus nice little breakfast area. I don't think you need to add anything to the area by the doors. It'll be nice to have some open area to come in and out of those doors. Also if you leave the door here in the kitchen, you can omit the French doors in the living area, more money for a nice big table!!!

The area in the windows would be great for plants. You could add a cool tree/palm/fern and a indoor year-round herb garden on a small table. You wouldn't even have to replace the door even if you blocked it off. Just let it function as a window and then their would also be another door for resale down the road. Also I love the table in it's new home and I think with the addition of the bigger island it won't look weird at all.

I vote for keeping the table between the kitchen and family room, skipping the french doors and creating a larger, longer kitchen island. Leaving the bay area clear would give you easy access to the pantry and outdoors. Plus, a larger island would be great for storage and entertaining.

I agree...move the table (well get or make a bigger one) to the new open area. Replace the bay door with a window and put one or two comfy chairs and a little table there for a "reading nook/tea/coffee area"

make or buy a bigger table for in between the kitchen and family room. skip the french doors. for the kitchen island i would make it even bigger the where you were going to have it stop at, i would go to about the cat or dog toy so it would be even with the wall cabinets. i would tape it out and you can do different sizes too see what you like. enjoy all the room you now have.

Is the dining room table center in the walkway of entering your living room/kitchen? I just wonder what that looks like as you walk in the house if it is just centered like that. I guess I need to see a picture that is more distant. I think it will look cute to add the window instead of the door, and place two cute upholstered chairs on either side of the window with a small table between them. Kind of a cozy nook for guests or family when you entertain. It will really emphasize the size of the space too. Like, "she has sitting area in her kitchen!"

I think you should move the table! I have you seen the islands that have a shorter seating area attached at the end? You could extend your current island a bit at the same height and then at the end add on a lower height area with stools/chairs. It adds seating where people can sit when you cook and gather. It also adds some cool dimension to the room with the other height. Basically a two tiered island with seating at the end. It would be a good use of the additional space if you move the dining table :)

Congrats on your awesome renovation! For my two cents I would go big on the island and put a bay widow seat in where the door is at(with some open storage underneath) and do the french doors. I think it would look so cozy and would leave your pantry unhindered (without a table in front) and make the kitchen so spacious. However, with that being said I just recently moved my big table against the wall to make a sort of banquet and the whole family loves it because it feels so cozy! So whatever feels best to you no matter what it looks like. Best of luck!

I agree with the others - go big with the island, you'll be glad you did, and it's so great for parties. The idea of a window seat with storage is great too - way to go Julia! You will be glad when you get rid of the extra door and just have the bay with so much window - love lots of windows! Otherwise, don't fill up your extra space too quickly, enjoy it! I'd love to have a coffee bar - that would be a great addition too and so great for guests.

My vote is to keep it simple and save a pile of money! Leave the door/window situation just it is now. Move the table out of the nook. Beef up your island, especially consider going in the direction of the now empty bay and perhaps add some seating at that end of the island (but its hard to get perspective from the pics. You could make a reading/coffee nook in the bay but would that feel crowded with the swing of the door? We had a similar issue: our big kitchen table was right in front of door to back deck. Did a low key remodel and was able to move table away from door. Now its "wide open" in that area and I prefer it that way. I put a very nice looking coat tree there, with an attractive trunk style basket for shoes and other stuff. Add a rug and maybe nice plant or two.

I have not read all the othe comments so I might be repeating ideas you have heard. Keep the table in the new spot. Makes your island even bigger. In the bay make the door a window and.......put a cute wood child size table in the bay. This can used in the future for your grandson and any other Grandchildren. Or when your sister's kid (s) visit.

What if you put a little seating area in front of the windows, maybe a curved settee. It seems when we have company everyone ends up in the kitchen standing around. Maybe if there were a settee, they could sit there and gab. Also leave the windows as they are.

I haven't read any of the responses but I say don't make any decision until the island is back in place. Is there plenty of space between the island and the cabinets? Does that need to be moved out a bit? Are you putting a sofa table behind the sectional? That will take up room.

I'll say it again. Don't make any decisions until the island is back in place.

Keep the table in it's new location for sure. Extend the island toward the bay windows. Turn the door into another window and make a window seat for reading/extra seating for entertaining etc. You could have cookbook storage or other decorative space below the window seat and perhaps along the sides if there's room.

I like the table in its new spot! I would extend the island further towards the bay window by putting your bar seating at the end of the island. This would benefit you in lots of ways 1: you wouldn't have your bar stools and your kitchen table chairs back to back 2: you can increase your storage by doubling the cabinets under the island because the seating is on the end 3: it would push some seating towards the bay window. Well, I may not be able to explain it but I can picture it in my mind and it's breath taking...lol

I think 2 matching streamlined benches--one in front of each window would look good. You could probably DIY something like this to your needed measurements http://www.target.com/p/threshold-bench-yellow-white-trellis/-/A-14405936#prodSlot=large_1_29 just add a throw on one bench and the plant beside the other bench and you could call it good.

Or I also think one or two rattan chairs with really comfy white cushions would look good in the space. Something like these links http://www.wayfair.com/Safavieh-Omni-Barrel-Fabric-Arm-Chair-FV22319.htmlhttp://www.pier1.com/Sunda-Armchair/2796335,default,pd.html?cgid=chairs#nav=top&start=1

I agree with many of the other comments. A seating area by those windows was my first thought. It would be nice for guests or a relaxing place for morning coffee. And I like the dining table where you have moved it.

I like the new placement of the table. I wouldn't put anything by the door in particular. I would put in a longer island (they are great for entertaining) and have an overhang at the end by the door for your barstools and keep the side facing the table open for traffic. Good luck!

First of all I can't tell you how much I am in LOVE with this new house change ya'll are doing. With your office wall down it feels like this big space was always meant to be that way-I admire your bravery to start knocking down walls and making it a space that works for you. I LOVE it!

I do like the table moved to the new bigger space-my question was one that (I think) another already brought up, was if this was in a straight line view of the front door? It doesn't bother me, but just something to think about-our table is as well and it doesn't bother me, but for some it may make you feel like anyone who comes over can see any mess that's out. The thing is that the table works there perfectly to build a really big island-I am in complete agreement for that. You will not regret it. When we built our house we built a 5ft-11ft island and we LOVE it. We also have a big open space though too. Some might feel like it is a waste of space, but when we have people over everyone congregates there to talk and mingle. For your set up though I would move the table, built a bigger island, and leave the door there and have some empty space there.Here are some posts from our family blog where can see our island and the open space I was talking about:http://thestarbuckfamily.blogspot.com/2013/06/random-summer-happenings.htmlhttp://thestarbuckfamily.blogspot.com/2014/02/valentines-daya-year-ago.htmlhttp://thestarbuckfamily.blogspot.com/2012/02/holiday-house-tour.htmlhttp://thestarbuckfamily.blogspot.com/2012/10/halloween-party.htmlhttp://thestarbuckfamily.blogspot.com/2014/04/spring-has-arrived-at-our-houseor-at.html

Sorry for so many links, I promise I'm not trying to be obnoxious=), I just don't want you to have to waste time searching through a bunch of pictures of my kids looking for the kitchen pictures.I can't wait to see what you do with the space-I am loving all of it so far!!!

Hey! Come on! you squibbled about not enough space, and now aquibble about too much space? It's okay to have OPEN unoccupied space in a home. Really it is. it will begin to look too packed when you put the table in the open space, put up a huge island, and attempt to fill in the bay space. Leave the open space open and enjoy it.

Haha, agreed, some space is a good thing! I think once that (bigger) island is in you will find it is probably less open area than you thought. And right now it is just a lot to get used to.I see all your family gatherings right along with you, Sarah! Plenty o' space! Woo hoo!Chrissy

I have to agree that you need to wait to get the island there first. But personally, I would put a sofa table behind that couch to ground it and add interest. The back of the couch is plain and boring. Another idea would be to hire an interior designer, not a decorator, for an hour and get her ideas on how to use the space. They are trained in that. I would not do anything drastic until you've lived with the new sq. footage for a bit. Don't rush it. If you decide you want to move the table behind the couch area and it won't cramp the island, you could add a couple of small scale chairs to the bay window area for reading and coffee or tea.

I'm new to your blog but enjoying following your Reno. My vote is to move the table and chandelier to its new spot and extend the island. Since you made the table could you make a larger tabletop that fits over the existing one? We used to do that for holidays with many guests and the rest of the time we kept the smaller size but yours could be up all the time if you like. I might use a butcher's block on casters in the Bay Area. I have one that rolls around where needed. Makes a sweet little display spot or drop zone when not in service. I don't see the need to replace the door with a window and think you would miss that door. I worked on a house with a kitchen bay window and doors in the adjoining family room and always found it inconvenient having to leave the kitchen area to go out back. Another fun thing would be to place two matching planters in the windows flanking the door of the bay and grow cooking herbs in them. Lastly, being a grandmother I can see a sweet child's play table there someday. ;-)

I think you're layout is great. I agree with everybody about extending your island and maybe not doing to much with the table until that is done. I wouldn't remove the door if it leads to a patio. I am also wondering if you've ever considered a round table. You have a lot of square/rectangle edges and a round table would soften all those hard lines. Everything looks beautiful and you are doing a great job. I'm sure whatever you choose to do will look great!

DEFINITELY move the table! It's perfect in the new spot. Space is a good thing. I've seen a lot of "extended" islands with an antique table of some sort pushed up against the existing island. It makes it multi-level and unique. Something in casters that you can roll around for a party and move to make a drinks table or appetizer station. It will make your kitchen more versatile. If you still feel compelled to "do" something in the bay area, a window seat might be cozy?

I love the new placement of the table and with your larger island it will be nice to not be crowded to get into the pantry. I would put a small comfy chair in the bay with a tiny table for a book and a cup of coffee.

We renovated our kitchen a while ago and made a huge island 5 X 8. I do all my projects on it and it's great for parties, everyone migrates into the kitchen and they can circle the island for all the food. I would put your barstools on the bay window side to keep the flow of traffic clear. If you by chance have any extra room, put a comfy chair and small table for your morning coffee (wish I had the room for that.

I'm not loving the new placement of the table. Hard to really tell from photos, but I think once you get the island reinstalled, it will look like three big blocks of furniture all lined up and crowded into the same space: block of couch, block of table and block of island. Put the table back in the nook and just live with the open space for a while. You wanted more space, right?

i love that you got your dream to open up the space. it's gonna be great. but there is an off-ness to it. you have lots of different woods going on. your dark floors, brown cabinets, black doors, white trim, white table, green bench (not sure if it's still around), tan/brown chairs...... perhaps unifying the colors would help bring the space together. the black doors are cool but are very modern and don't go with the brown floor or cabinets. the white trim is classi but then you've got a "country" table look and it doesn't flow. now with the room open you have more wood to paint and items to display. i would consider tying everything together with one unifying color and theme....classic, modern, country etc. instead of what you have now which seems disjointed. enjoy and have fun!!!!!

I instantly thought it would make a lovely little seating area, I love a kitchen that you can have a comfy seat in. If it was me I'd do a test run and move the table to the new spot and pinch a couple of comfy chairs and a wee side table and see what it's like for a few days. If you like it it will help with the sizing of the island and help finalise the decision about the French doors or leaving the other door in place. Whatever you do though I'm sure it will be beautiful

Hello Sarah, I love your blog and your writing style. Seeing your new space is exciting! I agree with you that the kitchen table should be moved closer to the family room and in front of that narrow wall. I saw some shelves that might look lovely there. You could probably build them since you are so handy. http://www.hgtv.com/decorating-basics/10-smart-design-ideas-for-small-spaces/pictures/index.html?nl=HGI_072314_featlink3_&sni_mid=152362&sni_rid=152362.324.561937&c32={46F95B90-F223-4C17-89D1-48D314776F2F} Or, a narrow kitchen hutch would look pretty there. Good luck with everything!

I don't like the table in the new location. I think it is too close to the family room. Didn't you originally want more space? I suggest a sofa table behind the sofa. Wonder how it would look if you either put a chair at either end of the sofa table---facing the kitchen, or skip the table and have 2 chairs there, with their backs against the sofa. I like the idea of a bigger island, but you don't want it so big, it's a pain to walk around. (get some big boxes to see how you like the area for a bigger island) . I suggest keeping the door in the bay; it makes more sense there, than having a door from the family room. Have a bunch of people over to see how you like having "space/room" for company, before preceding ahead with furniture. And last, Sarah, I'm sure whatever you decide, it will look great!

Almost all your readers are suggesting a larger island, and I feel that way as well. I have never heard of anyone complaining about an island that is too large. Having said that, instead of just taping off the floor to get a feel of the new space, may I suggest using empty cardboard boxes of varying sizes and shapes. There is something about seeing and living with the "mass" that is more helpful than just the tape on the floor. It would also help you see just how much open space you have left in the bay. I dislike (expense) the idea of replacing the door, and feel it could be disguised by a comfy chair or two and a small table. My, My, we certainly do like to spend other people's $$ and decorate other's homes, don't we???

I didn't read the other comments, so this may have already been suggested, but I love the idea of leaving the table in its new location and putting some overstuffed wingback chairs with a table between them and maybe a lamp on it in the bay window. (You'd have to get rid of the chandelier). If you replaced the exterior door with a window, it would create a wonderful little nook where friends could sit and talk with a cup of coffee, guests could stay out of the way of the cook while still being able to converse or where you could just curl up... I've always wanted a "hearth room" off the kitchen, and I have this image of comfy living room furniture in that spot.

Just discovered your blog through the HomeGoods site. Just a thought - I'd move your sofa so that the back legs were at the edge of the rug, put the sofa table back with all the legs on the wood floor, move your table set with option for a bigger table beside the sofa table like you have pictured, change out the bay window door and place two comfy chairs (but not too big so they wouldn't block the view) in the bay with a coffee table and/or a table between the chairs. Would a taller display cabinet (with glass doors) or a taller chest with a lamp look better where the black chest is now? Maybe in a brighter color or even white? You still have room to extend your island this way. Love your rooms and all that space.

I love the idea of a bigger island! Can an island really be too big? You could even have barstool seating for two at the end of the island near the back door. That would make the island more narrow since you won't need an overhang for barstools behind the table, which would give you more room to walk between the island and table. Also, this might be kind of out there, but it's something I've been thinking about in my own kitchen. If you ever wanted to take down your microwave to build a vent hood you could always put it in the island.

If you are interested in putting in a microwave or small refrig in your new island - don't forget to do the electrical wiring now. Also, would you want to have a small ice machine or small wash basin, then there is plumbing to be roughed in. Do those things now, before the floor is redone.

I love the table moved! I do think you can work your magic and make the table more of a longer farmhouse style design to fill the space. I definitely vote for a longer island! My wishlist is two dishwashers, too! I am still working on convincing the hubby for that one, though. Keep the door in nook for now. However, where you are planning to put in french doors, I would definitely add a trio of french windows with actual door where that black chest is now. A wall of outside coming in! If your climate is mild at times you could do slide folding so you can open the back of the home and really let the outside in. Not sure you can do that in Indiana, though.

Your project is so exciting! It looks wonderful and I can tell that it's really going to work for your family! You've made some very big changes and that takes some getting used to. Allow yourself to enjoy the new expanded area you have created. Sit still for a bit and take your time on the backdoor area. I've been in the same situation and it was hard not to fill up empty spaces, but force yourself to wait. Embrace the emptiness for a while. I think you'll be surprised at what you discover.

I apologize if someone already said this, but I haven't read all the posts. You could consider increasing the island to have even more seating. You could have enough room for your whole family to eat at the island and also have large gatherings where no one had to hold their plate in their lap. What if you flipped the idea of a banquette so it combined with the island, similar to these on houzz: http://www.houzz.com/photos/1639482/Insidesign-Project-6-traditional-kitchen-atlanta or this one: http://www.houzz.com/photos/2913667/Made-in-America-House-traditional-kitchen-richmond Your might not have any curve in it, only a straight bench. But, the curves are so interesting to look at. You would keep your current door, etc.

The table looks great moved, you might need to add a few things to define that space, maybe move the chandelier to above the table. Also the island extended to the edge of where your cupboards end would work well I think, lot's more storage and space to use! Goodluck!

I feel like the table just looks kind of lost and like it's floating in space when it's moved by the couch. Maybe it would be better with the light fixture moved and a fug to ground it.. but that bay window area just seems made for a table- especially with some built in seating. I know that is an added cost and you love saving money, but isn't it better to save up and do it the right way? With something you LOVE instead of something that is nice or good enough? I don't know, it just seemed to me that you love the thought of built in banquette more than the table moved over. Either way, it's your house and you should have it exactly how you love it!

We have the money to do it now, I just want to consider all the options. The cost to add/remove doors and windows is enough that I want to sit on it for awhile to decide. I usually have to live with things for a while before I know what I want to do! :)

I think you have 2 good options; if you move the table to the center of the room, you could put a reading chair in the nook! Or making that nook into a banquette would be adorable and I'm sure you'd love it; though you would probably still be cramped at the pantry.

I didn't read all the comments, but I totally agree with you that I would use this as the chance to make the island much larger to use that extra space. The extra storage and counter space would be totally worth it!

How about removing the door in the bay window area and putting in a built-in desk similar to the photos below? Might be an alternative work space for you or your husband, and with views out the windows it would be a nice place to work. Maybe incorporate some open shelving for cookbook storage?

I love the table in it's new location and yes a bigger table would be great since you have a ton more room now. I think you would really enjoy a larger space for your family to dine. As far as your empty bay window. Perhaps you could get one of those swanky bar carts or something and make a little drink station. It could be an all season place. Hot chocolate in winter. Sweet tea in summer. Cider in the fall. It would also be great for entertaining. I know you will think of something functional to do in that space. You always do!

The table moved is perfect. It lines up with that wall behind the black chest. Don't worry about open space. It is nice to have, you would have room for a bar cart/drink station as mentioned above and I love that idea. Enjoy it.

I would move the table, keep the black door to outdoors, and nix the idea of new French doors. I wouldn't add anything in that bay window area. With the door going outside and the door to the pantry I think you'll appreciate it being nice and open. Once you put the island back in it will look great! You don't need any furniture over there IMO. It's looking good!

I agree with Anonymous above, move the table, keep the doors as they are, and expand the island. The bay window area with the door will look purposeful and you will appreciate not squeezing through to get outside. You probably just need to live with it a bit to get used to it.

I would keep a door in the kitchen. Must have access to the BBQ grill, and if you do any entertaining, people tend to congregate in the kitchen and meander outside. Provides logical flow. Nothing wrong with moving the table out. Looks great! Love your blog!

Love the new look. I agree that the table looks great in the open space - away from the bay window...we did this years ago (even tho my space is no where near as large as yours) and love it. Are you planning on ever wanting to add the sofa table behind the sofa again? Do go for as big an island as you can. Personally...I'd leave the door where it is and skip the French doors. With the area opened up, that door will be much easier to use and give you better access to outdoor area from kitchen area. Of course, ,whatever you decide will be perfect!

I too love the table in the new area. The extra space is wonderful. You have room for enlarging your island like you have wanted. I know you will come up with something. Like you said, live with it for awhile. Mull it over for awhile. Everything you have done looks wonderful. And speaking of kitchens, I am trying to talk my hubby into doing what you did with your island and covering 3 sides with beadboard and painting it. ;) Love how yours looks.